OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 3, 2013) - Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee Canada and Furio De Angelis, UNHCR Representative in Canada, will address the audience in the closing ceremonies of this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ottawa. The ceremony will take place at the Ottawa Convention Centre on Dec. 5 from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, established in 1991 at Rutgers University, is a global campaign that seeks to mobilize communities worldwide an end all forms of violence perpetrated on the grounds of gender. Ms. Jiwani will tell delegates that she believes in a future where 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is redundant, when reality calls for 365 days of activism against gender-based violence to truly bring forward the changes needed.
"Violence against women is a gross and atrocious human rights violation and inextricably linked to gender-based inequalities. Every effort should be made to break down gender barriers and ensure that the voices of women are heard," said Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women National Committee Canada.
"Investment in gender equality will result in eradicating violence against women on an international scale. I encourage all Canadians to come together for collective action. Together we can make a difference locally and globally. It's time to break cycle of violence!"
The conference theme is, "From peace in the home to peace in the world: let's challenge militarism and end violence against women!"
"The theme of today's event is a call to action that we can no longer ignore," said Furio De Angelis, UNHCR Representative in Canada. "In fact, it requires all of us to mobilize, as individuals and as a community, to ensure through our daily actions that our daughters can grow in a world where they will no longer be subjected to brutal acts of violence due to their gender."
About UN Women National Committee Canada
UN Women National Committee Canada is an independent non-governmental organization that supports the mission of UN Women through public awareness initiatives about UN Women and global women's issues, and fundraising efforts to support UN Women programs worldwide.
ABOUT UNHCR
UNHCR is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. The UN Refugee Agency, which has won two Nobel Peace Prizes, was established by the UN General Assembly in 1950 and has helped more than 50 million people over the past six decades. UNHCR Representation in Canada opened its doors in 1976. http://www.unhcr.ca
Contact Information:
Yazmin Sanghera
Research and Communications
613-234-8252 x 103
communications@unwomencanada.org
www.unwomencanada.org or www.unwomen.org
UNHCR Canada
Gisèle Nyembwe
Public Information Associate
613-232-0909 ext. 225 or 613-986-4300
www.unhcr.ca